Chena Lake, Chena Lakes Recreation Area

The feel

Chena Lake is a 259-acre stocked lake at the Chena Lakes Recreation Area near North Pole, a park run by the Fairbanks North Star Borough. It is stocked with Arctic char, landlocked king and silver salmon, and rainbow trout.

The park has a swimming beach, boat rental and a handicap-accessible fishing dock. Only non-motorized boats are allowed on the water. Crowds are very high.

What to expect

Water and access

3780 Laurance Road, North Pole. A handicap-accessible fishing dock and boat rental are on site. Non-motorized boating only.

Species and timing

Arctic char, landlocked king and silver salmon, and rainbow trout. Rainbows are stocked and present May through September.

Methods and gear

Bank, boat or ice, with spinning gear or a fly rod. Non-motorized boats only.

License and rules

Tanana River Drainage, stocked lake. Check current stocked-lake limits before you go.

Crowds and best time

Crowds are very high.

Season and access

Open water May through September, with ice fishing in winter. A summer day-use fee applies.

Mingo says

Open water ends in September, but you can keep fishing here through the ice in winter. Rainbow trout are stocked from May through September, so summer is the season to target them.

Before you go

• Leave the outboard at home, because only non-motorized boats are allowed.
• Check the current stocked-lake limits for the Tanana River Drainage.
• Plan for the summer day-use fee at Chena Lakes Recreation Area, 3780 Laurance Road, North Pole.
• Use the handicap-accessible fishing dock or rent a boat on site.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.